There is so much to unpack from Ahsoka Episode 6, from its meta opening scene to the ominous conclusion. Not surprisingly, much of Far, Far Away's subtle surprises came from Baylan Skoll as his true motives slowly began to unravel in the Star Wars series.
When we first met Baylan, he didn't have any qualms about killing people to achieve his goal, whether it was to free Morgan Elsbeth or to protect the star map from Ahsoka Tano. But in Ahsoka Episode 6, the former Jedi revealed a bit more about himself and his true intentions. As Baylan and Shin Hati looked around Peridea, he spoke about his past to his Apprentice. Although it seemed like Baylan was reminiscing about stories he was told as a young Jedi, it became clear that he had a bigger reason for wanting to meet Thrawn. He admits that he wants to be at the beginning of a cycle that he intends to end.
So does this mean he is trying to end the Jedi and help Thrawn rise to power? Sure, it seems that way but Baylan's actions are somehow vague and questionable to the point that even Grand Admiral Thrawn is ready to dispose of him. If we're going to listen to Thrawn, he repeatedly refers to Baylan as a Jedi (or at least a former Jedi) and is all too happy to be rid of the mercenaries for the time being. Considering that Thrawn has always been a good judge of character, this could be something to look into.
But what is Baylan truly up to? At one point, the Great Mothers single out Sabine Wren because she "reeks of Jedi" but the scene immediately focuses on Baylan looking uncomfortable. Has he truly turned his back against the Jedi Order or is he hiding something in an effort to defeat Thrawn? Perhaps we'll learn the truth in the last few episodes of Ahsoka.
For now, it is unclear what Baylan's true intentions are but it was wonderful watching the late Ray Stevenson portray the character with just the right air of mystery and certainty. It was also a gift simply listening to him talk about his past and Stevenson's passing was a huge tragedy for the Star Wars community.
Ahsoka Episode 7 will serve as the show's penultimate episode and is expected to drop even more revelations and epic showdowns now that both Thrawn and Ezra Bridger are officially in play. The Star Wars series returns next week on September 26, 2023.
